Organochlorine Compounds In Sediments Research Articles

Organochlorine compounds in the bottom sediments of the meromictic Mogilnoe Lake (Kildin Island, Russia)

The paper presents the results of a study of the behavior of organochlorine compounds (chlorinated benzenes and phenols) in the bottom sediments of Mogilnoe Lake (Kildin Island, Barents Sea). Mogilnoe Lake is a meromictic water reservoir located in the high latitudes of the Russian Arctic. A unique feature of the lake is its underground connection with the sea, which makes it similar to tropical anchialine lakes. Lake sediment samples were taken at three deep-water stations during complex expedition work in June 2019 by employees of the N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Arkhangelsk). Organochlorine compounds were extracted from air-dried samples of bottom sediments using accelerated flow-through solvent extraction with a hot mixture of organic solvents. Determination of the concentrations of chlorinated benzenes was carried out according to RD 52.24.417-2011 (RF), and the concentrations of chlorinated phenols and their derivatives – in accordance with the ISO 14154:2005. Quantification and identification of individual organochlorine compounds were carried out by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The presence of organochlorine compounds in sediments of the meromictic Mogilnoe Lake has been established. Concentrations of persistent organochlorine pollutants were assessed as high. Most likely, the component composition of organochlorine compounds and their detected levels (primarily pollutants) in the bottom sediments of the lake are due to the influence of various local anthropogenic sources, as well as atmospheric long-range transport from low/moderate latitudes and nearby regions.

Measurement of Organochlorines Residue (OCs) in water, sediment and soil from Jakarta and West Java

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are widely used as pesticides in the past and several of them have been prohibited. Some of these organochlorine compounds have persistent properties that can last long in the environment so that they have been included in the list of groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The bioconcentration and bioaccumulation properties of organochlorine compounds increase the negative impact on the health of living organism. The purpose of this study was to measure the organochlorine compounds in the environment, including samples from agricultural soil, sediment, and river water. Sampling was collected in November and December 2018. Sample of agricultural soils were taken in Bogor and Cianjur regencies while water and sediment samples were taken from the rivers in the Jakarta and Cianjur regencies. Total of 24 organochlorine compounds were then measured using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GCMS). Recovery of water samples was 72% to 82%, for the soil was 79% to 103% and for sediment was below 40%. The OCs detected in the water was in the range of 0.010 µg/L – 0.4 µg/L and in the soil was in the range of 0.4 µg/Kg – 18.55 µg/Kg. Measurement of OCs in sediments from the estuary or downstream of the river in Jakarta was done, however the result was uncertain due to the difficulties in the sample preparation of oily sediments, and hence the results were not provided here. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a testing methodology, especially the proper refining process so that good recovery data could be obtained in the future. The small amounts of organochlorine that were detected in the environment indicated that these compounds are still existing up to now. The purpose of this study is to produce the proper methodology to examine the matrix effects from sticky and oily samples.

Assessment of persistent organochlorine compounds contamination on the Lake Victoria water and sediments: a case study in Tanzania

The current study was conducted to establish the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), its degradation products, and indicatory polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water and sediments from Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Seven indicator PCBs were identified in sediments, and five were identified in water. The PCBs loading ranged from lower than the limit of detection (LOD) to 10.28 µg kg−1 DW and 0.95 to 2.24 µg l−1 in sediments and water, respectively. PCBs, CB 138 and CB 153 dominated the load, because of their chemical stability and high degree of chlorination. In addition, ten OCPs were identified in sediments, and seven OCPs were identified in water. The levels of organochlorine compounds in sediments were higher than in water samples, implying that sediments may serve as a sink for these compounds. The presence of these compounds is probably as a result of either historical use, long-range environmental transport or environmental persistence. The levels of organochlorine compounds in the lake water and sediments are below the maximum residue limit set by EU and FAO, except for aldrin and dieldrin. Based on the Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC) for freshwater ecosystems, aldrin and dieldrin are the only OCPs that seem to be a threat to the lake environment.

Ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet for determination of organochlorine compounds in sediment

A simple and sensitive method of ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of the floating organic droplet (UA-DLLME-SFO) is proposed for simultaneous determination of 11 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment through gas chromatography with electron capture detection. This method did not require additional purification and sulfur removal. Single factor experiments and response surface method were used to optimize the factors influencing the recovery. And the Plackett-Burman design and central composite design were applied to screen and evaluate the significant variables. Method validation showed that the proposed method hold good recoveries (72.1%–116.2% for PCBs with relative standard deviations <15% and 72.6% - 115.2% for OCPs with relative standard deviations <15%) and satisfactory linearity (0.313 μg L−1–125 μg L−1). Moreover, the limits of detection ranged from 0.02 μg kg−1 to 0.64 μg kg−1, and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.04 μg kg−1 to 0.70 μg kg−1, respectively. The developed method was operationally simple, time-saving, and environmentally friendly and could be successfully applied to the analysis of real sediment samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that UA-DLLME-SFO has been applied to determine OCPs and PCBs in sediment.

Distributions of organochlorine compounds in sediments from Jiulong River Estuary and adjacent Western Taiwan Strait: Implications of transport, sources and inventories

Estuaries and coastal areas strongly influenced by terrestrial inputs resulted from anthropogenic activities. To study the distributions, origins, potential transport and burden of organochlorine compounds (OCs) from river to marginal sea, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in surface sediments collected from a subtropical estuary (Jiulong River Estuary, JRE) and the inner shelf of adjacent Western Taiwan Strait (WTS). The concentrations of OCPs and PCBs were from 5.2 to 551.7 and 1.0–8.1 ng g−1 (dry weight), respectively. OCP concentrations in the JRE were higher than in adjacent WTS, and a decreasing trend with the ascending distance from the estuary to the open sea was observed. Concentrations of DDTs were quite high in the upper reach of the estuary, inferred from antifouling paint on fishing boats of a local shipping company. According to established sediment quality guidelines, DDTs in the JRE posed potential ecological risk. HCHs in the estuary were mainly derived from the weathered HCHs preserved in the agriculture soils via local major river runoffs.OCPs patterns showed that OCPs in the south coast of WTS were resulted from local sources via river input, while OCPs in the north coast attributed to the long-range transport derived by the Fujian-Zhejiang Coastal Current.Minor variations of PCB concentrations and homologs indicated that PCBs were not the main pollutant in the agricultural region, consistent lighter PCBs reflected industrial PCBs were transported via atmospheric deposition derived by East Asia Monsoon. Moreover, the primary distribution pattern founded for DDTs and the considerable mass inventories and burdens calculated (258.1 ng cm−2 and 10.4 tones for OCPs) that higher than Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta, together suggested that the contaminated sediments in the study area may be a potential source of OCPs to the global ocean.

Spatial distribution and temporal trends of persistent organochlorine pollutants in sediments from Lake Maryut, Alexandria, Egypt

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) in surface and core sediments collected from Lake Maryut, Egypt, were examined to elucidate their distribution, ecological risk and historical trend. To our knowledge, this is the first study on residue levels of OCs in sediments from Lake Maryut. Concentrations of PCBs and DDTs were higher than other OCs, ranging from 3.06 to 388 and from 0.07 to 106ng/g dry wt., respectively. The highest concentrations of OCs were found at stations near the discharge point of sewage and close to industrial areas. The distribution of DDT and its metabolites suggest no recent inputs into the lake environment. Contamination levels of sedimentary PCBs and DDTs, can be categorized moderate to high compared to other urbanized regions worldwide. Temporal trends in OCs levels were influenced by input pathways at two sites. Evaluation of ecotoxicological risks suggests that adverse biological effects are expected mainly in the main basin area.

Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Compounds in Water and Surface Sediments from Taihu Lake and Nanjing Section of Changjiang, China

Samples of surface water and sediment were collected in Taihu Lake and Nanjing section of Changjiang. Organochlorine compounds(OCCs) of samples were detected to investigate the characteristics and ecological risk of them in the lake and river. The concentrations of OCCs in water of Nanjing section of Changjiang were higher than those in Taihu Lake, but the concentrations of OCCs in sediments were higher in Taihu Lake. HCHs of Taihu sediments were relatively enriched, indicating the agricultural source of compounds. PCBs of Changjiang sediments were higher compared to Taihu sediments, denoting a obvious industrial source. Comparing with other compartments in China, HCHs of the study area were higher than most sediment of Chinese rivers, DDTs didn’t show high contents in sediments, PCBs was in relatively low levels. By contrast with the relevant sediment quality guidelines of these compounds, the ecological risk of OCCs in sediments were evaluated. The OCCs of sediments in Taihu Lake and Nanjing section of Changjiang didn’t show high ecological risk.

Chemometrical investigation of the presence and distribution of organochlorine and polyaromatic compounds in sediments of the Ebro River Basin

A multivariate statistical data analysis, using principal component analysis, of historical data from 1996 to 2003 concerning the concentration of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine compounds in sediment samples from different sampling sites of the Ebro River Basin was performed under the UE funded project AQUATERRA. Three major contamination sources were identified and their composition and distribution profiles were resolved. The first contamination profile was mostly loaded by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the second contamination profile was loaded by some organochlorine compounds and the third contamination profile was more specifically loaded by naphthalene. Samples from the different geographical regions of the Ebro River Basin were grouped according to the contamination described by these three major profiles.

Sediment, Perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and Bottom Fauna as Indicators of Effluent Discharged from the Pulp and Paper Mill Complex at Kemi, Northern Finland

This paper compares the long-term data of EOX (Extractable Organic Halogens) determinations in sediments, trichloroguaiacol, i.e. 3,4,5-trichloroguaiacol and 4,5,6-trichloroguaiacol, determinations in the bile of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and changes in bottom fauna communities (Pontoporeia affinis L., Mesidotea entomon L., Valvata spp. L.) during 1994–2003. The study area is located at Kemi, on the Gulf of Bothnia, Northern Finland, and is affected by effluent discharged from the pulp and paper mills of Stora Enso Oyj and Oy Metsa-Botnia Ab. The Kemi municipal sewage plant, and River Kemijoki also impose a load in the same area. The main purpose of the study was to assess whether the state of the exposed water ecosystem has improved on the basis of the concentrations of organochlorine compounds in sediment and in perch, due to the modernisation of the wastewater treatment at the mills. In addition, we also investigated whether the changes in the bottom fauna community indicate an improvement in the purification of the effluents. The results indicate that the concentrations of trichloroguaiacols (<ng g−1) in perch reflect the decreased discharges of chlorinated substances from the mills. The EOX concentrations in bottom sediments have also decreased to below 50 μ of Cl g−1 in most parts of the study area, which is in good agreement with the reduction in the discharge of organochlorines. According to the long-term changes in bottom fauna, the reduction in the discharge of organochlorine compounds due to modernisation of the pulp mills is reflected in a recovery of the benthic fauna, especially Valvata spp. L. and Pontoporeia affinis L.

South Florida ambient pesticide monitoring program.

The South Florida Water Management District is a state agency that manages surface and ground water quantity and quality in south Florida. Since 1984 surface water and sediment have been sampled for pesticides at various frequencies and locations in the District's 1400-mile system of canals. Based on monitoring data from 1992 to 2001 the most common pesticides detected in surface water samples were herbicide compounds, especially ametryn and atrazine, while DDE and DDD were the most frequently detected in sediment samples. Exceedances of state surface water quality standards occurred in certain basins for several insecticides including endosulfan. In addition, the concentrations of several ubiquitous organochlorine compounds in sediment were similar to or exceeded threshold effect levels based on a comparison to the NOAA screening quick reference tables (or SQuiRTs) for sediment.

Pesticides and PCBs in sediments and fish from the Salton Sea, California, USA

The Salton Sea, the largest manmade lake in California, is officially designated by the State of California as an agricultural drainage reservoir. The purpose of this study was to determine organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides, as well as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediments and fish tissues in the Salton Sea and evaluate the relative ecological risk of these compounds. Sediment samples were taken during 2000–2001 and fish tissues ( Tilapia mossambique, Cynoscion xanthulu) were collected in May 2001. All samples were analyzed for 12 chlorinated pesticides, 6 organophosphorus pesticides, and 55 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. ∑Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (∑DDT) and total PCB concentrations observed in sediments ranged from 10 to 40 and 116 to 304 ng/g dry wt, respectively. DDT/DDD ratios in sediments and fish tissues of the northern Sea in 2001 indicated recent DDT exposure. Lindane, dieldrin, dichlorodiphenylethane (DDE) and total PCB concentrations detected in sediments exceeded probable effect levels established for freshwater ecosystems, and pp-DDE and total PCB concentrations were higher than effect range-median values developed for marine and estuarine sediments. In fish liver, concentrations of endrin and ∑DDT exceeded threshold effect level established for invertebrates. ∑DDT concentrations detected in fish tissues were higher than threshold concentrations for the protection of wildlife consumers of aquatic biota. DDE concentrations in fish muscles tissues were above the 50 ng/g concentration threshold for the protection of predatory birds. Dimethoate, diazinon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, disulfoton varied from ⩽0.15 to 9.5 ng/g dry wt in sediments and from ⩽0.1 to 80.3 ng/g wet wt in fish tissues. Disulfoton was found in relatively high concentrations (up to 80.3 ng/g) in all organs from Tilapia and Corvina. These results demonstrate continued contamination of specific organochlorine compounds in sediments and resident fish species of the Salton Sea.

Factors affecting the organochlorine pollutant load in biota of a rice field ecosystem (Ebro Delta, NE Spain)

The concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, HCB and OCS were determined in sediments and associated biota, both invertebrates ( Physella acuta, Hirudo medicinalis, chironomid larvae, Hydrous pistaceus, Helochares lividus) and vertebrates ( Rana perezi), in a temporary aquatic system, a rice field in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain). The qualitative and quantitative distribution of organochlorine compounds in sediments and aquatic biota has been explained by two mechanisms: equilibrium partitioning and/or biomagnification through the trophic web. Nevertheless, bioaccumulation processes are by far more complex, since several biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the observed pollutant loads in the organisms. In this respect, the biological characteristics of the organisms considered (e.g. species, age, lipid contents, feeding habits, etc.), as well as ecological factors (e.g. the habitat of the species and vertical distribution), have been shown to account for the organochlorine levels observed.

Persistent organochlorine compounds in sediment and biota from the Haleji lake: a wildlife sanctuary in South Pakistan.

Persistent organochlorine compounds in sediment and biota from the Haleji lake: a wildlife sanctuary in South Pakistan.

Persistent Organochlorine Compounds in Sediment and Biota from the Haleji Lake: A Wildlife Sanctuary in South Pakistan

Persistent Organochlorine Compounds in Sediment and Biota from the Haleji Lake: A Wildlife Sanctuary in South Pakistan

A mass balance model describing multiyear fate of organochlorine compounds in a high Arctic lake.

Data collected over a 3-year study of a high arctic watershed and lake are used to understand the fate of organochlorine compounds (OCs) and form the basis of a mass balance contaminant fate model. The model uses the fugacity/aquivalence approach to describe OC dynamics between air, stream inflows and outflow, the water column, and surficial sediments. The steady-state model results indicate that stream inflows contributed from 96 to >99% of total chemical loadings, but 57-98% of total loadings were lost from the lake via the outlet, the percentage of which is controlled by the hydrologic regime of the high arctic lake. Conversely, only 0.4-3.4% of loadings were retained within the sediments due to the high export rate, minimal scavenging from the water column and low organic carbon fraction of the sediments. Using the unsteady-state model, which includes year-round processes, degradation was estimated to account for losses of 7-32% for the more persistent OCs and 42-50% for the less persistent OCs (alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH, and endosulfan I). If loadings were eliminated, water column concentrations would decline with half-lives <1 year for less persistent OCs and 1-2 years for the more persistent OCs, whereas the half-lives for OCs in sediment are 8-25 years.

Persistent organochlorine residues in sediments from Chinese river/estuary systems

Persistent organochlorine compounds were analyzed in surficial sediment samples from seven large Chinese river/estuary systems. The reported concentrations of organochlorine compounds in sediments collected from Zhujiang, Minjiang and Jiulongjiang were also presented for comparison. Concentrations of HCH were low in most sediments except the Zhujiang River, where the concentrations were one order of magnitude higher than for the other rivers. The levels of DDT were relatively low in sediments from north Chinese river/estuary systems while the values of DDT were high in South China. Higher concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were observed at Huangpujiang, Qiantangjiang and Changjiang, which drain highly industrialized and densely populated areas of China. Compared with the world's other river/estuary systems, the residue levels in these sediments were relatively low, though the production and usage of organochlorines in China is in large quantities. Great water discharge and/or sediment loads and biogeochemical processes such as biodegradation, volatilization, etc., may be responsible for low concentrations.

Organochlorine contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environments of the Fiji Islands

No information has been published on the presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Fiji Islands. This paper reports the first data on the concentration of a range of organochlorine compounds in sediments and shellfish in the estuarine and coastal marine environment around Fiji. Twenty-three sediment and two shellfish samples were analysed for 22 pesticides and related residues, and PCBs. While a significant number of organochlorines (20 pesticide related species and PCBs) was detected, the concentrations were generally very low (< 10 ng g), indicative of a relatively ‘less contaminated’ marine environment. Relatively high concentrations were observed only near the two major ports (Suva and Lautoka), with Suva harbour samples having the largest number of detectable species and the largest total concentrations of organochlorines (up to 91 ng g). No PCBs were detected in areas away from major industrial centres. The variations in the concentrations found, and the possible sources and movement of the organochlorine contaminants are discussed.

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine compounds in sediment and livers of striped bass ( Morone saxatilis) from the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary

A preliminary assessment was made in 1992 of chlorinated organic compounds in sediments and in livers of striped bass from the San Franciso Bay-Delta Estuary. Samples of sediment and striped bass livers contained DDT (ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-) and its degradation products, DDD (ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-) and DDE (ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-); PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls); alpha and gamma chlordane, and cis and trans nonachlor. In addition, the livers of striped bass contained small concentrations of DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate), a pre-emergent herbicide. Agricultural run-off from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, as well as atmospheric deposition, are probably responsible for a low chronic background of DDT in sediments throughout San Francisco Bay. Larger concentrations of DDT in sediment near Richmond in the Central Bay, and Coyote Creek in the South Bay may be derived from point sources. Ratios of pentachloro isomers of PCBs to hexachloro isomers in the South Bay sediments were different from those in the Central and North Bay, suggesting either differences in microbial activity in the sediments or different source inputs of PCBs. Concentrations of alpha chlordane in livers of striped bass were greater than those of gamma chlordane, which suggests a greater environmental stability and persistence of alpha chlordane. Trans nonachlor, a minor component of technical chlordane, was present in greater concentrations than alpha and gamma chlordane and cis nonachlor. Trans nonachlor is more resistant to metabolism than alpha and gamma chlordane and cis nonachlor, and serves as an environmentally stable marker compound of chlordane contamination in the estuary. Chlorinated organic compounds have bioaccumulated in the livers of striped bass. These compounds may contribute to the decline of the striped bass in San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary.

Trace elements and organochlorines in the shoalgrass community of the lower Laguna Madre, Texas

Our objectives were to measure concentrations of seven trace elements and 14 organochlorine compounds in sediment and biota of the shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii) community of the lower Laguna Madre of south Texas and to determine whether chemicals associated with agriculture (e.g. mercury, arsenic, selenium, organochlorine pesticides) were highest near agricultural drainages. Arsenic, mercury, selenium, lead, cadmium, and organochlorines were generally at background concentrations throughout the lower Laguna Madre. Nickel and chromium concentrations were exceptionally high in shrimp and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), which is difficult to explain because of no known anthropogenic sources for these trace elements. For sediment and blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), mercury was highest near agricultural drainages. Also, DDE was more frequently detected in blue crabs near agricultural drainages than farther away. In contrast, selenium concentrations did not differ among collecting sites and arsenic concentrations were lowest in shoalgrass, blue crabs, and brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) near agricultural drainages.

Organic compounds of environmental concern in the Gulf of Mexico: a review

An overview of the data available on the distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOC), high molecular weight hydrocarbons (HMWHC) and synthetic organochlorine compounds in sediments, water and organisms from the Gulf of Mexico is presented. VOC contain many environmentally important substances and are widespread contaminants in Gulf of Mexico coastal and nearshore waters. VOC, compounds with volatilities between those of ∼ n-C 5 and n-C 15, are highest near chemical plants, oil platforms and other industrial or urban centers. VOC detected include aromatics, chlorinated and brominated compounds, and alkanes. VOC concentrations and distributions are controlled initially by the dynamics of local sources but are ultimately determined by exchange with the atmosphere. The major sources of HMWHC in the Gulf of Mexico are biological production, natural seepage, petroleum production, shipping activities, coastal and riverine runoff, and atmospheric exchange and fallout with the dominant sources being very location-dependent. The more pristine areas are offshore from Florida and Southern Texas, whereas the coasts of upper Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama show the highest levels of contamination. The organochlorine compounds most commonly found in organisms are DDT metabolites, PCB and occasionally dieldrin. There is some evidence that estuarine biota contain higher levels of certain residues than pelagic organisms. Organochlorine residues in sediments are believed to originate from contamination by industry or agricultural activities. The highest levels detected to date are associated with Mississippi Delta sediments.